When writing about reviewing or assessing something again, you may come across three spellings: reevaluation, re-evaluation and re evaluation. Since English compound words and prefixes often evolve over time, it’s understandable to wonder which version is correct.
The short answer is that reevaluation (one word) is the standard spelling in modern English. Re-evaluation (with a hyphen) is also correct and is sometimes preferred by certain publishers or style guides for readability. Re evaluation (two separate words), however, is incorrect in standard English.
Quick Answer
Use reevaluation as the standard spelling in most writing.
- ✅ Reevaluation = Preferred modern spelling.
- ✅ Re-evaluation = Also correct; used by some style guides or when clarity is helpful.
- ❌ Re evaluation = Incorrect.
For most business, academic and everyday writing, reevaluation is the best choice.
Why People Confuse It
People often confuse these spellings because:
- English prefixes such as re- are sometimes written with a hyphen.
- Different style guides have different preferences.
- Many compound words have changed from hyphenated to closed forms over time.
- Spell checkers and older publications may show different versions.
Fortunately, the meaning remains the same regardless of whether you use reevaluation or re-evaluation.
Reevaluation
Reevaluation is a noun.
Meaning
It refers to:
- Reviewing something again.
- Assessing or examining something a second time.
- Reconsidering a decision, opinion or situation.
Examples
- The project requires a reevaluation of its budget.
- After receiving new evidence, the committee ordered a reevaluation.
- The doctor’s reevaluation changed the treatment plan.
- We conducted a reevaluation of company policies.
- Annual reevaluation helps improve performance.
Re-Evaluation
Re-evaluation is the hyphenated form of the same noun.
Meaning
It has exactly the same meaning as reevaluation.
Some editors prefer the hyphen:
- To improve readability.
- To avoid awkward letter combinations.
- To follow a specific house style.
Examples
- The report recommends a re-evaluation of the proposal.
- A re-evaluation may be necessary after six months.
- The organization completed a re-evaluation of its safety procedures.
Re Evaluation
Re evaluation written as two separate words is not standard English.
Because re- is a prefix attached directly to the base word, it should not be separated by a space.
Always write:
- ✅ Reevaluation
- ✅ Re-evaluation
Never write:
- ❌ Re evaluation
Reevaluation vs. Re-Evaluation vs. Re Evaluation Comparison Table
| Spelling | Correct? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reevaluation | ✅ Yes | Preferred modern spelling |
| Re-evaluation | ✅ Yes | Acceptable; style guide dependent |
| Re evaluation | ❌ No | Incorrect in standard English |
When to Use Each
Use reevaluation when writing:
- Business reports.
- Academic papers.
- Professional emails.
- Blog posts.
- General communication.
Use re-evaluation when:
- Following a style guide that prefers hyphens.
- You want to improve readability.
- Your organization uses the hyphenated style consistently.
Never use re evaluation.
Examples (10+)
- The manager requested a reevaluation of the proposal.
- Our annual reevaluation improved overall efficiency.
- The patient returned for a medical reevaluation.
- A reevaluation of the evidence changed the outcome.
- We scheduled a reevaluation after the first quarter.
- The editor suggested a re-evaluation of the manuscript.
- The committee approved a re-evaluation of the policy.
- A re-evaluation may reveal new opportunities.
- The company’s financial reevaluation was completed last week.
- Continuous reevaluation leads to better decisions.
- The consultant recommended another reevaluation before launch.
- The teacher conducted a reevaluation of the grading criteria.
Common Mistakes
❌ We need a re evaluation.
✅ We need a reevaluation.
✅ We need a re-evaluation.
❌ Mixing reevaluation and re-evaluation throughout the same document.
✅ Choose one style and use it consistently.
Memory Trick
Remember this simple rule:
The prefix re- normally joins directly to the word.
So think:
- Rewrite
- Rebuild
- Reconsider
- Reevaluation
If a style guide prefers it, adding a hyphen (re-evaluation) is still correct—but never insert a space.
American vs. British English
Both American and British English accept:
- ✅ Reevaluation
- ✅ Re-evaluation
American English tends to favor the closed form (reevaluation) in modern writing, while British publishers may use either form depending on their editorial style. In both varieties, re evaluation is considered incorrect.
Similar Words
If you’re learning commonly confused spellings, you may also like:
- Reinforce vs Reenforce
- Targeted vs Targetted
- Opened vs Openned
- Message vs Messege
- Bright vs Brite
- Greatful vs Grateful
- Timeslot vs Time Slot
Final Verdict
Both reevaluation and re-evaluation are correct spellings, and they have exactly the same meaning. The main difference is one of style, not grammar. In modern English, reevaluation is generally the preferred spelling, while re-evaluation remains an acceptable alternative in publications or organizations that favor hyphenation.
The only form you should avoid is re evaluation, which incorrectly separates the prefix from the base word. For consistency and clarity, choose either reevaluation or re-evaluation and use it throughout your writing.
FAQs
Which is correct: reevaluation or re-evaluation?
Both are correct. Reevaluation is the preferred modern spelling, while re-evaluation is an acceptable alternative.
Is “re evaluation” correct?
No. Re evaluation is not standard English because the prefix re- should not be separated from the word.
Which spelling is more common?
Reevaluation is generally more common in modern American English, although re-evaluation still appears in many publications.
Should I use a hyphen in “re-evaluation”?
You may use a hyphen if your style guide or organization prefers it. Otherwise, reevaluation is usually the standard choice.
Do “reevaluation” and “re-evaluation” mean the same thing?
Yes. Both mean reviewing, assessing, or examining something again.
Is there a difference between American and British English?
No major difference. Both varieties accept reevaluation and re-evaluation, but editorial preferences may vary.
Conclusion
Choosing between reevaluation and re-evaluation is mostly a matter of style rather than correctness. Both forms are accepted in standard English and mean the process of reviewing or assessing something again. In modern writing, however, reevaluation has become the more common and streamlined spelling.
Whichever form you choose, consistency is key. Use reevaluation or re-evaluation throughout your document, but avoid re evaluation, as separating the prefix from the word is not considered correct in standard English.
Remember This
✅ Reevaluation = Preferred modern spelling
✅ Re-evaluation = Also correct (style-guide dependent)
❌ Re evaluation = Incorrect
When in doubt, write it as one word: “reevaluation.”
